2000 Vauxhall Zafira Elegance 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faults:

Only one real problem, a tendency to cut out on deceleration, particularly at roundabouts on main roads, the last one was a bit scary on a fast road, fully loaded and suddenly no real brake power.

Any way took it in for a service and got told that the throttle housing needed replacing and this would solve the problem for £288. Asked the dealer to complain to Vauxhall as it was a known problem that made the car dangerous.

End result problem appears to have been fixed for free by local dealer. Apparently Vauxhall will authorise the work on any car under three years old, with less than 60,000 miles on the clock.

The dealer also gave me a £25 discount on the price of the front brake pads that needed fitting.

21st Mar 2003, 12:42

I have a 1999 1.8 elegance and was surprised to see that your car has similar traits and problems to mine.

I too wondered if the wrong wiper blades had been fitted as there is such a large missed area through the sweep. I am wondering if 2" longer blades could be used and Vauxhall have just been economical.

As to the engine management, there does seem to be an odd delay on initial acceleration. A little disconcerting til I got used to it. I did have the local dealer check it once! An ignition module was replaced under warranty as the car would not tick over.

I run classic cars usually, but family forced a new car. I am surprised that some things are no different from old cars eg the acceleration delay. Like having a carburettor!

Still love the flexibility of the car though. Grandma and Grandad can join us at a drop of a hat!